By Gary Thomas
Tulare, CA – May 11, 2016…Multiple-time Chris & Brian Faria Memorial winner Tyler Walker of Los Angeles, CA is set to make his King of the West 410 Sprint Car Series season debut on Saturday in Tulare.
The 2009 KWS champion captured three King of the West victories last season, including the KRC Safety Fall Shootout at Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway in October. Walker claimed the Faria Memorial in back-to-back years from 2008-’09 and will be aboard the Josh Ford Motorsports No. 73 machine on Saturday.
Walker will be one of many drivers hoping to take home the $3,000 top prize when the King of the West tour invades the one-third mile clay oval. So far this year reigning Trophy Cup champion Bud Kaeding of Campbell and two-time KWS titlist Kyle Hirst from Paradise have won events with the series.
The Chris & Brian Faria Memorial marks round three in the battle for the statewide championship and is the first of four events at the Tulare facility. KWS will return to the track on July 22 & 23 for the 3rd annual Peter Murphy Classic.
Also in action on Saturday will be the USAC West Coast Wingless 360 Sprint Car Series, the Western RaceSaver Sprints & the brand All Star Modified Tour. The jam packed cavalcade of motorsports pays honor to the late Chris & Brian Faria, who were cousins of Thunderbowl Raceway promoter Steve Faria.
Chris Faria was an up and coming driver who was the youngest of five children to Danny Sr. & Arlet Faria. He grew up on their farm in Tipton and was known as the prankster of the family. Chris unfortunately lost his life at the age of 21 during a farming accident and his memory has been kept alive with a memorial race at the Thunderbowl Raceway ever since.
Brian was the oldest of the five Faria children and was taken from us in January of 2006 during an accident while driving on a highway. Brian enjoyed helping out with the track preparation at the Thunderbowl, as he drove the water truck and the grader among other things. The Chris & Brian Faria Memorial has become a cornerstone of the track schedule and is always a special night for everyone with the Thunderbowl Raceway.
Reserved grandstand seats for the Chris & Brian Faria Memorial on Saturday cost $20 with general admission bleacher tickets $18. To reserve your seat contact (559) 688-0909. The ticket booth & will call at the track will open at 1:30pm. The front gate will open at 4pm. With four divisions running the pit meeting will be held at 4:30pm sharp.
Tickets continue to be on sale for the remaining events this season, including the 23rd annual Southwest Contractors Trophy Cup on October 20, 21 & 22. Also an FYI for teams that participated in last year’s Trophy Cup, early entry forms have been sent out for this season & must be returned by May 31st. For anyone else wishing to participate in this year’s event, June 1st is the day entry is open to the public until we reach capacity (100).
The Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway is located at the Tulare County Fairgrounds on the corner of Bardsley and K Streets in Tulare, California. From the junction of SR 99 and SR 137, go west on SR 137. At South K go south one-half mile to the Fairgrounds. More info can be found at http://www.thunderbowlraceway.com/
Remaining events at Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway this season:
Saturday May 14: Chris & Brian Faria Memorial – King of the West 410 Sprint Car Series, USAC West Coast 360 Sprints, Western RaceSaver Sprints, IMCA Allstar Modifieds
Friday July 22: Third annual Peter Murphy Classic – King of the West 410 Sprint Car Series & USAC West Coast 360 Sprint Cars
Saturday July 23: Third annual Peter Murphy Classic – King of the West 410 Sprint Car Series & USAC West Coast 360 Sprint Cars
Saturday October 8: KRC Safety Fall Shootout – King of the West 410 Sprint Car Series, USAC Western Midgets, Western RaceSaver Sprints
Thursday October 20: 23rd annual Southwest Contractors Trophy Cup – Winged 360 Sprint Cars
Friday October 21: 23rd annual Southwest Contractors Trophy Cup – Winged 360 Sprint Cars
Saturday October 22: 23rd annual Southwest Contractors Trophy Cup – Winged 360 Sprint Cars
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Chris & Brian Faria Memorial winners dating back to 2002
2015- DJ Netto
2014- Kyle Hirst
2013- Jason Meyers
2012- Rico Abreu
2011- Tim Kaeding
2010- Kyle Larson
2009- Tyler Walker
2008- Tyler Walker
2007- Brent Kaeding
2006- Stephen Allard
2005- Jason Statler
2004- Brent Kaeding
2003- Jonathan Allard
2002- Jason Meyers